Mission statement
Goshen College is a liberal arts college dedicated to the development of informed, articulate, sensitive, responsible Christians. As a ministry of the Mennonite Church, we seek to integrate Christian values with educational, social and professional life. As a community of faith and learning, we strive to foster personal, intellectual, spiritual and social growth in every person. We view education as a moral activity that produces servant leaders for the church and the world.
Educational mission and core values
At Goshen College we intend to create a community of faith and learning built on five core values: Christ-centeredness, passionate learning, servant leadership, compassionate peacemaking and global citizenship. In our academic program and campus life students will develop the knowledge, skills and values for
A life that is Christ-centered, with
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a reflective faith that nurtures spiritual growth in individual and corporate contexts.
- an active faith that informs an individual's experience and choices in all aspects of life.
A life of passionate learning, through
- the mastery of a major field of study as the basis for life-long learning, service, relationships and work in a socially and culturally diverse context.
- an extensive foundation of knowledge, skills and dispositions derived from a liberal arts curriculum that informs an appreciation for a critical understanding of human experience and cultural variety.
A life of servant leadership, based on
- a leadership ability that empowers self and others.
- a healthy understanding of self and others that is reflected in relationships of interdependence and mutual accountability.
A life of compassionate peacemaking with
- a personal integrity that fosters the ability to resolve conflict and to promote justice.
- commitment to diversity in all of its forms both conceptually and in practice.
A life of global citizenship with
- an intercultural openness with the ability to function effectively with people of other worldviews.
- a responsible understanding of stewardship for human systems and the environment in a multicultural world.
Liberal arts tradition and Christian context
Goshen College is nationally recognized for its excellent academic program and Christian ideals. As a Christian liberal arts college, Goshen draws on the best from both streams. The basic question that drives all liberal arts inquiry is “What is truth?” Different approaches, such as historical, scientific, aesthetic or linguistic, contribute different perspectives of truth. Because Goshen College is a Christian college, theological and spiritual approaches to truth are highly valued as well. When students learn multiple ways of knowing and alternative modes of problem-solving, they have a more complete view of the world.
Together, the Goshen College community searches for knowledge and meaning, new and old. It is a liberating search that leads us to delight in the awesome mystery of life and celebrate the unique gifts and passion that God has created in each person. A Christian liberal arts education is education for life vocation, not just preparation for employment.
Historic church relationship, open to all
Goshen College was established in 1894 and is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA, a Christian denomination that grew out of the 16th-century Anabaptist movement in northern Europe. With the Friends (Quakers) and the Church of the Brethren, Mennonites are one of the three historic peace churches in the U.S. From the church in which is is rooted, Goshen College has derived a spirit of peace and simplicity, mutual support and biblically based service to those in need.
Around 60 percent of students and 80 percent of faculty members are Mennonite affiliated. Other students come from approximately 30 different Christian denominations and several world religions, and include strong representations from Catholic, Methodist, Baptist and Lutheran traditions. All faculty members are active Christians, and many have lived or worked outside the United States, often in church-related mission or service work. Students are not required to be Christians to attend Goshen, but must be willing to accept and live by the Goshen College commitment to community standards. All who are willing to search for truth with integrity are welcome.
Accreditation
Goshen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. [http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/, (312) 263-0456, (800) 621-7440].
The college is authorized by the Indiana Division of Professional Standards Board and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education for the preparation of elementary and secondary school teachers. The division of nursing is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nurses Registration and Nursing Education and also by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education [One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, (202) 887-6791]. The social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education [1725 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, DC 22314, (703)683-8080]. Alumnae of Goshen College are admitted to membership in the American Association of University Women. Goshen College is registered with the Regents of the University of the State of New York.
Equal opportunity
Goshen College is in compliance with all federal regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin and disability in its recruitment, admission, educational, athletic, financial aid and employment policies and programs. We welcome all students as God's creation regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity or nationality, sexual orientation and social or economic class.
Ecological Stewardship
In 2007 President Brenneman signed the President's Climate Initiative which commits Goshen College to work toward climate neutrality. Also in 2007, the Rieth Village complex of buildings at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center earned a Platinum LEED certification, the highest level possible. In 2008, the campus named its first Sustainability Coordinator. An ecological stewardship committee of students, faculty and administrators is leading the campus in collaborative efforts to encourage sustainable practices and reduce use of fossil fuels.

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